Saturday, April 12, 2014

Anzac day, (for my friends overseas), is on the 25th of April, whereby we remember those who gave up their lives, and fought for our country.

I am honoured to have family members who served in both WW1 and WW2, and recently Afghanistan.

Here is a photo of Sergeant Guy Hamilton Cotter, who was killed in action on the 3rd of May at Villiers-Bretonneux, France. He serve in the 23rd Battalion of the Australian Army.

They recently found him, after excavating the battle ground. He was blown to pieces whilst charging the german lines.

I often think about this. Why? It seemed so pointless, and I am certain that the majority of the French people don't give a "shit."

Guy was from Caiwarro originally, but grew up later in Melbourne Australia.

I also think fondly of Roy Dunk- another relative, from the station Warroo, who fought in the last charge of the Light Horse at Beersheeba. I had the privilege of meeting Roy some years ago. His biography make compelling reading, and of course Tibby Cotter who was there as well.

Finally, I remember my uncle Ken Cotter who served most of WW2 as a forward scout/surveyor for the artillery in the Australian army. His stories also were compelling.

I still remember him when there were thunderstorms and he would retire and lie on his bed with his arm over his face. I have his medals.

I have a brother in law who has done a number of tours in Afghanistan. On the other side of my family are Desert Rats from Tabrook as well.

Again why? That area is such a stupid place, as is the rest of the middle east.

These were brave men. Naive perhaps by todays standards. But prepared to lay down their lives for a friend.

Its a message that we all need to remember.

"They shall not grow old as we are who are left to grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun, and in th morning.

We shall remember them."

I shall be mustering near Warroo and Caiwarro on Anzac day, and I will remember my brave uncles and cousins.

" So remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Be curious and however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't give up" Prof. Hawkins 2012